SALTILLO, Coahuila, July 23, 2008.- The Cuban team had to accelerate to expose its good blocking and attack to edge Mexico in four sets (15-25, 25-11, 25-22, 25-15) to keep its unbeaten record in Pool B.

Supported by almost two thousand fans at the Nazario Ortiz Gymnasium, the Mexicans showed their improvement and surprised the Caribbeans with a strong showing that enthusiasmed the stands, but finally the Cubans established their rhythm.

The best scorers were Wilma Salas (15), Yoana Palacio and Gysell de la C. Silva, both with 12, and for the host team Carolina Carranza (10).

Joel Olazabal, coach of Cuba: “The players went out pressing because they have little competitive experience and Mexico has a very good team, that has elevated its technical level.”

Samuel Cibrian, coach of Mexico: “A very intese match, each one could have won it, with similar conditions of preparation the physical baggage of the Caribbeans was fundamental, but we recognize that we have advanced a lot in the technical-tactical part, the limited time of preparation affects our potencial, but I am not taking anything away of Cuba and its good players.”

Lilianny Marcillan, captain of Cuba: “It was very good to win this match in anticipation of tomorrow against the Puerto Ricans and I can see that USA is not the team we though, does not have the level of last year, I think gthe finalists must be Cuba and Dominican Republic.”

Xitlali Herrera, captain of Mexico: “A tough match, Cuba is very tall and strong, after the first set which we played fairly good, we lost the concentration and it could be seen that we have not been together for a long period.”